List of Canadian Wildlife SpeciesEcozones Of Wildlife Species Of Canada
List of Canadian Wildlife Species: The Dominion Of Canada is home to around 80,000 species of wild animals and plants. It has around 200 mammals, over 460 birds, over 40 amphibians, over 40 reptiles, and over 1,200 fish species. On the other hand, the country has 17,000 identified species of floras including trees, flowers, herbs, ferns, mosses, and others.
In terms of wildlife population, rodents are the most found mammals in Canada. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature, the populations of the at-risk species have declined around 59% on average since 1970 in the country. Check the list of Canadian Wildlife Species in detail.
List of Canadian Wildlife Species
Canada has 20 big habitats, with 15 on land and 5 in the sea. The main habitats are tundra, dense forest, grassland, and temperate deciduous forest. After the last ice age, Canada developed eight unique forest regions. About half of Canada’s land is covered in forests, which is around 8 percent of the world’s forested areas. Here is the list of wildlife species of Canada as mentioned below.
List of Canadian Wildlife Species |
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Species Name | Domain | IUCN Red List Status | Canadian Ecosystem |
Moose (Alces alces) | Fauna | Least Concern | Boreal Forest |
Black bear (Ursus americanus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Boreal Forest |
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Coastal Ecosystem |
Beaver (Castor canadensis) | Fauna | Least Concern | Wetlands |
Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) | Fauna | Vulnerable | Tundra |
Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) | Fauna | Least Concern | Coastal Ecosystem |
Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) | Fauna | Least Concern | Boreal Forest |
Gray wolf (Canis lupus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Boreal Forest |
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) | Fauna | Least Concern | Freshwater Ecosystem |
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) | Fauna | Vulnerable | Arctic Tundra |
Orca (Orcinus orca) | Fauna | Data Deficient | Marine Ecosystem |
Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) | Fauna | Near Threatened | Marine Ecosystem |
Snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Boreal Forest |
American beech (Fagus grandifolia) | Flora | Least Concern | Deciduous Forest |
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) | Fauna | Vulnerable | Marine Ecosystem |
American black duck (Anas rubripes) | Fauna | Least Concern | Wetlands |
Muskox (Ovibos moschatus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Tundra |
Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) | Fauna | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
American mink (Neovison vison) | Fauna | Least Concern | Wetlands |
North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) | Fauna | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) | Fauna | Least Concern | Wetlands |
Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) | Fauna | Least Concern | Freshwater Ecosystem |
Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) | Fauna | Threatened | Boreal Forest |
Eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Deciduous Forest |
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus) | Fauna | Endangered | Freshwater Ecosystem |
Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
American toad (Anaxyrus americanus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Wetlands |
Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Grassland |
Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) | Fauna | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Wetlands |
Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
Common loon (Gavia immer) | Fauna | Least Concern | Boreal Forest |
Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) | Fauna | Least Concern | Deciduous Forest |
American badger (Taxidea taxus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Grassland |
Yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) | Flora | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
Black-capped chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
Eastern phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) | Fauna | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Wetlands |
Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Marine Ecosystem |
American eel (Anguilla rostrata) | Fauna | Critically Endangered | Freshwater Ecosystem |
Short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) | Fauna | Least Concern | Marine Ecosystem |
Canada goose (Branta canadensis) | Fauna | Least Concern | Wetlands |
Canadian hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) | Flora | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
Moosewood (Acer pensylvanicum) | Flora | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
Boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Boreal Forest |
Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) | Fauna | Least Concern | Boreal Forest |
Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) | Fauna | Least Concern | Boreal Forest |
American kestrel (Falco sparverius) | Fauna | Least Concern | Grassland |
American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) | Fauna | Least Concern | Mixed Forest |
Ecozones Of Wildlife Species Of Canada
Canada has 20 big ecosystems called ecozones, with 15 on land and 5 in the ocean. These ecozones are split into smaller parts: 53 ecoprovinces, 194 ecoregions, and 1,027 ecodistricts. This system helps understand Canada’s natural diversity, set up in 2017. It shows different types of environments across the country, influenced by living and non-living factors. Here are the Ecozones name and Area as mentioned below.
Ecozone | Total area (km²) |
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Arctic Cordillera | 242,190 |
Northern Arctic | 1,507,872 |
Southern Arctic | 839,760 |
Taiga Plains | 652,125 |
Taiga Shield | 1,381,821 |
Boreal Shield | 1,937,517 |
Atlantic Maritime | 213,863 |
Mixedwood Plains | 168,204 |
Boreal Plains | 737,287 |
Prairies | 465,094 |
Taiga Cordillera | 265,375 |
Boreal Cordillera | 467,870 |
Pacific Maritime | 207,925 |
Montane Cordillera | 487,896 |
Hudson Plains | 373,718 |
Total | 9,948,517 |
Marine Ecozones Of Wildlife Species Of Canada
Canada is split into 5 marine regions based on a plan made by the Ecological Stratification Working Group in 1995. They are all connected, except for the Pacific one, which borders other countries and Canadian land regions. The biggest is the Arctic Archipelago, which goes into colder areas. Here are the major details as mentioned below.
Ecozone | Area (km²) Territorial waters |
Area (km²) Exclusive Economic Zone |
Percentage of total area (for EEZ) | Percentage of marine area (for EEZ) |
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Pacific Marine | 102,920 | 457,646 | 3.1 | 8.3 |
Arctic Basin Marine | 24,997 | 704,849 | 4.8 | 12.7 |
Arctic Archipelago Marine | 2,051,393 | 2,178,998 | 14.8 | 39.3 |
Northwest Atlantic Marine | 536,895 | 1,205,981 | 8.2 | 21.8 |
Atlantic Marine | 72,144 | 996,439 | 6.8 | 17.9 |
Total | 2,788,349 | 5,543,913 | 37.7 | 100.0 |
1. Polar Bear – Total Count 22,000
Polar bears live in the cold Arctic regions of Canada. Canada is home to a lot of polar bears, estimated to be between 16,000 to 25,000 bears. Polar bears are at risk because of climate change, mainly due to the melting ice. Indigenous communities in the Arctic hunt polar bears for food and cultural reasons. Many tourists come to Canada, especially places like Churchill, Manitoba, to see polar bears in their natural home. Canada is actively studying polar bears to learn more about them and help protect them better.
Polar Bear – Total Count 22,000 |
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Habitat | Arctic regions, primarily sea ice areas |
Range | Throughout Canada’s northern coastlines |
Diet | Mainly seals, also fish and occasionally birds |
Status | Listed as “Special Concern” by COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) due to declining populations and threats from climate change and habitat loss |
Conservation | Managed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) in Canada, with conservation efforts focused on habitat protection, reducing human-bear conflicts, and addressing climate change impacts |
Population | Approximately 16,000-22,000 individuals, with the majority residing in Canada |
Notable Traits | Large, carnivorous mammals adapted to life in icy environments, known for their excellent swimming abilities and reliance on sea ice for hunting and breeding |
Threats | Climate change, loss of sea ice habitat, pollution, human-bear conflicts, and overhunting in some areas |
2. Moose – Total Count 500,000
Moose, which are big deer, live in Canada’s forests and swamps. They have long legs and flat antlers on their heads. Moose eat leaves, twigs, and plants they find in the woods, and sometimes they munch on trees in the winter. They usually stay alone, except during mating season when they search for partners. People try to keep them safe from dangers like losing their homes or getting hit by cars. Moose help the environment by eating plants and being food for other animals. Some people hunt moose for fun and food, which helps the local economy.
Moose – Total Count 500,000 |
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Habitat | Forests, wetlands, and open areas across Canada |
Range | Throughout Canada, particularly in northern regions |
Diet | Herbivorous, primarily consuming leaves, twigs, and bark |
Size | Largest member of the deer family, can weigh up to 700 kg |
Status | Abundant, but populations can vary regionally |
Conservation | Managed through hunting regulations and habitat protection |
Notable Facts | Iconic symbol of Canadian wildlife |
3. Grizzly Bear – Total Count 29,150
The big grizzly bear, mainly found in western Canada, is strong, weighing up to 1,300 pounds and standing over 6 feet tall. They live in forests and meadows, eating plants, berries, and sometimes catching fish or small animals. Grizzly bears mostly live alone, roaming large areas, but they might gather where food is plentiful, like salmon spawning grounds. Despite their size, they are at risk due to losing their homes, fighting with humans, and illegal hunting. Conservation efforts focus on protecting where they live, reducing fights, and making sure there are enough grizzly bears for the future.
Grizzly Bear – Total Count 29,150 |
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Habitat | Mountainous regions, forests, meadows, and tundra |
Range | Western and northern Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories |
Diet | Omnivorous: mainly eats plants, berries, fish, and small mammals |
Conservation Status | Varies by region, generally listed as “Special Concern” or “Threatened” |
Population | Estimated around 25,000 to 30,000 individuals |
Threats | Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, poaching, climate change |
Protection | Managed through hunting regulations, protected areas, and conservation programs |
4. Caribou – Total Count 2.4 Million
Caribou are large deer that live in the cold parts of Canada. They have big antlers and thick fur to help them in the snow. Caribou eat plants like grass and bushes, and they are prey for animals like wolves and bears. People in Canada, especially Indigenous groups, really like and respect caribou. They use them for food, clothing, and shelter, and they think of them as strong and important. But caribou are having a tough time because their homes are being destroyed by things like building and climate change. Some types of caribou are now in danger.
Caribou – Total Count 2.4 Million |
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Habitat | Arctic tundra, boreal forests, and mountain ranges |
Diet | Lichens, grasses, sedges, and shrubs |
Population Status | Varies by subspecies; some are declining |
Conservation Status | Some subspecies are considered threatened |
Range | Throughout northern and central Canada |
Predators | Wolves, bears, and humans |
Unique Features | Large antlers, migratory behavior |
5. Gray Wolf – Total Count 60,000
The gray wolf in Canada is very important. It lives in many different areas in Canada, like forests and grasslands. Wolves eat animals like deer and moose, which helps keep the environment balanced. But sometimes, they cause problems for farmers because they attack farm animals. People are trying to protect wolves by saving their homes and finding ways for them to live peacefully with humans. Indigenous people also think wolves are special and include them in their stories and traditions.
Gray Wolf – Total Count 60,000 |
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Habitat | Gray wolves inhabit various ecosystems in Canada, including forests, tundra, and mountains. |
Diet | They are primarily carnivorous, preying on large mammals such as deer, moose, and caribou, along with smaller prey like rodents and birds. |
Range | Gray wolves are distributed throughout Canada, with significant populations found in wilderness areas and national parks. |
Conservation Status | The gray wolf is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN. However, certain populations are threatened by factors such as habitat loss, conflicts with humans, and hunting. |
Population | The Canadian gray wolf population is estimated to consist of several thousand individuals, though numbers can fluctuate due to factors such as prey availability and human activities. |
6. Bald Eagle – Total Count 50,000
The Bald Eagle is a significant bird in Canada, known for its strong symbolism. It has a white head and tail that contrast with its dark brown body. It lives in different parts of Canada and mainly eats fish like salmon and trout. With a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters, it can fly easily. Despite facing problems like losing its home and pollution, efforts to save Bald Eagles in Canada have been successful.
Bald Eagle – Total Count 50,000 |
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Habitat | Coastal areas, lakes, rivers, and forests |
Range | Found throughout Canada, particularly in coastal areas |
Diet | Mainly fish, also small mammals and birds |
Conservation Status | Least Concern (Population stable) |
Notable Features | White head and tail, yellow beak, impressive wingspan |
7. Beaver – Total Count 12 Million
The beaver is a very important animal in Canada. It’s like a symbol of working hard and being strong. Pictures of beavers can be seen on coins and flags. Beavers are famous for building dams and homes called lodges in rivers and lakes. A long time ago, people hunted beavers a lot for their fur, which caused big changes in Canada. Nowadays, people try to protect beavers and keep them safe. Beavers are really important for keeping the environment healthy because they create homes for other animals and change the land.
Beaver – Total Count 12 Million |
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Habitat | Lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands |
Diet | Herbivore; primarily eats bark, leaves, roots |
Lifespan | 10-15 years in the wild |
Conservation | Least Concern (population stable) |
Importance | National symbol of Canada; significant role in ecosystem engineering and conservation of wetland habitats |
8. Canada Lynx – Total Count 10,000
The Canada lynx is a big cat that lives in Canada’s forests. It has furry ears and moves very gracefully. It hunts mostly rabbits and has big paws that help it walk in the snow. These cats like to be alone and are active at night. They make territories where they live and mark them with their smell. The forests in Canada are a good home for these cats. But they have problems because people are cutting down trees, making the forests smaller. Also, the weather is changing, which is making it harder for them to find food.
Canada Lynx – Total Count 10,000 |
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Habitat | Boreal forests, mixed forests, tundra |
Range | Throughout Canada, particularly in northern regions |
Diet | Mainly snowshoe hares, also rodents and birds |
Size | Medium-sized wildcat, about the size of a large dog |
Characteristics | Distinctive tufted ears, long legs, thick fur |
Conservation Status | Least Concern |
9. Beluga Whale – Total Count 90,000
The beluga whale, known for its white color and rounded forehead, lives in Canada’s cold northern waters. Indigenous communities in Canada’s north have cultural ties to these whales, often calling them the “singers of the sea” because of their diverse sounds. Belugas live in groups called pods, ranging from a few to hundreds of individuals. They live in places like the Churchill River estuary in Manitoba, the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, and the Beaufort Sea. However, belugas face threats from habitat harm, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts in Canada involve research, protecting their homes, and working together with governments, conservation groups, and indigenous communities to keep them safe.
Beluga Whale – Total Count 90,000 |
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Habitat | Arctic and subarctic waters, including Hudson Bay, Beaufort Sea, and the St. Lawrence River estuary |
Population Status | Varied across regions; some populations are stable, while others are threatened or endangered |
Conservation Status | Protected under Canadian law; some populations are listed as endangered or of special concern |
Key Features | White or light gray coloring, distinctive rounded forehead, flexible neck, and melon-shaped head |
Diet | Predominantly fish, such as Arctic cod, but also eat squid, crustaceans, and other small marine animals |
Behavior | Social animals, often found in pods; known for their vocalizations and complex communication |
Reproduction | Typically give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 14 to 15 months |
Threats | Habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, and disturbance from human activities |
Conservation Efforts | Efforts include habitat protection, monitoring of populations, reducing pollution, and mitigating impacts of human activities |
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List of Canadian Wildlife Species – FAQs
How many species of wildlife are in Canada?
Canada is home to about 80,000 species, many of which face numerous threats to their survival. Our most recent Living Planet Report Canada found that populations of at-risk species have declined 59% on average since 1970.
What is the most common wildlife in Canada?
Canada is known for its giant residents: moose, wood bison, polar bears, and grizzlies. But in terms of population, rodents are the most plentiful mammals in Canada.
What animal is only found in Canada?
Newfoundland Marten. This endemic marten is one of only 15 mammals living the Newfoundland island life and its integral role in the ecosystem can’t be overstated. The Newfoundland Marten helps control prey populations through their feverish appetite for red-back voles and other small scurrying mammals.
Do tigers live in Canada?
Canada is home to an estimated 4,000 privately-owned big cats, including lions, tigers, and jaguars.
What is the largest animal in Canada?
The wood bison is the largest land animal in Canada. Adults have dark brown coats with long shaggy fur on their shoulders and legs. They have large humps on their backs, and very large heads. Male bison are typically larger than female bison.
What rare animal is found in Canada?
Peary Caribou are only found in Canada. It’s our responsibility to prevent their extinction.
What is Canada’s national bird?
The Canada Jay was actually known as the Canada Jay for over 200 years, but in 1957, the American Ornithologists’ Union Checklist Committee wrangled over subspecies issues with this bird and “accidentally” decided to rename it as one species — the Gray Jay.
Does Canada have a national animal?
Another highly recognizable national Canadian symbol is the beaver, Canada’s national animal. Beavers are also connected to Canada’s history because of their major role in the fur trade.
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